Yaya Sanogo has revealed that he expects the Premier League to be "fierce".

The French Under-21 striker is close to joining Arsenal before the start of the new season on a free transfer from Auxerre.

"The defenders are fierce but I'm not going with any apprehension," Sanogo told France Football. "I am just impatient to start in one of the best leagues in the world. It's a dream for me to realise."

Sanogo signed his first professional deal with Auxerre in 2010 following a spell in the club's youth system.